Visiting Zimbabwe President Emerson Mnangagwa says there is need for the world to come together in dealing with climate change effects.

He said this in light of the Cyclone Freddy disaster which hit most parts of the Southern Region by destroying infrastructure including roads and bridges and killing 667 people.

Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma
and his Zimbabwe counterpart Kazembe Kazembe after
signing several agreements

Speaking during a State banquet President Lazarus Chakwera hosted in his honour at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Mnangagwa said there is need for countries to improve disaster preparedness and response.

He said: “This is a clarion call for the world to come together and act urgently to address the root causes of climate change and adopt mitigation strategies to reduce its impact.

“We also need to work hand in glove to improve our disaster preparedness and response to minimise the impact on the most vulnerable communities.”

Mnangagwa also said there is need for Malawi and Zimbabwe to promote opportunities for collaboration of the two countries.

On his part, Chakwera said that it is important for Malawi and Zimbabwe to grow their diplomatic relations, cultural and economic exchanges.

He said: “Just as we have been doing through government to government visits and through the work we do together through the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC), which concluded its 11th session here in Lilongwe on Thursday.”

The Zimbabwe leader on Thursday toured the Parliament Building and the Kamuzu Mausoleum. Accompanied by Vice-President Saulos Chilima Mnangagwa planted a tree within the Parliament premises before visiting the Lilongwe Auction Floors.

He left Lilongwe on Thursday at noon for Mangochi.

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